A doctor has shared her top tips for swerving illness during wintertime.
Dr Shireen, who works as an NHS GP, said you can “reduce the risk of getting sick” by avoiding others who are ill and maintaining a strict level of hygiene.
In an informative TikTok video, she explained: “If you’re feeling sick, social distancing, don’t go to events. If you’re going somewhere, check to see if anyone coming has coughs or colds. This might make you sound like a little bit anxious with regards to your health but you know, we need to look after ourselves and if you are someone who really doesn’t want to get sick, if you are going to a social event, please check and make sure no one is sick…
“Hand washing is so important. As soon as you come in from being outdoors, wash your hands before you eat, wash your hands after the toilet. Hand washing is so important. As soon as you come in from being outdoors, wash your hands before you eat, wash your hands after the toilet.”
However, it goes without saying that you can still fall sick if you follow this advice. While the advice can “minimise” the risk of getting sick, Dr Shireen warned you can still pick up cold and flu unless you live in a “sterile bubble”.
The NHS also shares advice on keeping well during winter. They urge:
- Keep warm – You can do this by heating your home to at least 18C and layer up
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap
- Don’t share towels or household items (like cups) with someone who has a cold
- Don’t touch your eyes or nose in case you have come into contact with the virus – it can infect the body this way
- Keep active by maintaining good a level of fitness
- Get the flu vaccine if you need to